Cassidy Tonks-Hatch appointed first Digital Media Specialist | Lifestyles

Thousands turned to Facebook or Instagram to keep in touch with family and friends, while others used platforms like TikTok and YouTube to express themselves creatively.

Art and Education at the Hoyt was no different, making the shift when its doors closed and programs were canceled due to restrictions. The digital curve was a bit steep, but the staff managed to put in some admirable effort that resulted in exponential growth in new audiences. Mini masterpieces, the shoebox parade as well as virtual instructions and tours are credited for the active participation of more than 33,000 people in the last financial year.

So it’s no wonder that the cultural center does more than just use digital media today. Cassidy Hatch-Tonks joined the Hoyt team in July to help develop and expand Hoyt’s digital programming and content.

The Ellwood City native hadn’t set foot in the Hoyt until her first interview. As a commercial arts graduate at the Lawrence County Career and Technical Center, she was reasonably familiar with programs. However, she hadn’t gotten around hanging out at The Confluence, where the Hoyt runs the local art gallery. While she held several positions as graphic designer, art teacher, gallery owner and photographer after completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Clarion University, she was looking for a way to bring her youth and enthusiasm close to home.

It was this combination of experience that caught the attention of Hoyt’s director, Kimberly Koller-Jones.

“Hiring is often about more than what looks good on paper,” says Koller-Jones. “Cassidy was not only friendly and open, but also embodied compassion for people whose differences often make others uncomfortable. That means a lot for an organization that strives for diversity, justice and inclusion in concert. “

Prior to Hoyt, Hatch-Tonks taught life-enrichment activities to adults with mental and physical disabilities at McGuire Memorial and the Intermediate Care Center in New Brighton. As part of her work, she introduced clients to new artists and art history through sensory education, hand-over-hand activities, and trips to cultural centers and museums. While the job can be challenging, Hatch-Tonks happily points to the experience.

“They were some of the most lovable people I have ever met,” she said.

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Hatch-Tonks also worked on the marketing team at Abram’s Nation, a company that makes sleeping equipment for children and adults with special needs, and most recently for Remax Select Realty in the greater Pittsburgh area. She handled brand management for Remax’s partnership with the Pittsburgh Steelers and met some players while coordinating promotions. While losing that last position in the pandemic, she gained a husband and married McClain Tonks on October 10, 2020.

“We lost our venue in August, but rescheduled the reception in McClain’s aunt’s garden in less than two weeks. The guest list dropped from 150 to 35, but it was a perfect day. “

When it was over, she cut her hair and donated it to charity. While the newlyweds have their honeymoon ahead of them, they have adopted a kitten named Rhubarb and are raising a Springer Spaniel named Atlas in their Ellwood City home.

“She is resilient, that’s for sure!” said Kollar-Jones. “Cassidy didn’t have the time to get her feet wet when she started. We were just about to start several new summer programs and had to throw them in. It was sinking or swimming. She swam with the rest of us. “

Her early assignments included overseeing Hoyt’s role in the Summer Playground Program, designing new print media, and developing new guidelines and courses for Hoyt’s Digital Media Lab.

Hatch-Tonks, a former photography teacher at the Sweetwater Center for the Arts, is now offering an eight-week introductory photography course at the Hoyt and several workshops exploring the Adobe Creative Suite. Small businesses and / or nonprofits can learn to create digital and print ads using PhotoShop and InDesign, while teens can experiment with digital tools to create digital art.

“What I like best about the Hoyt so far is that they walk. Not only do they talk about serving the community in an inclusive manner, but they also talk about taking the necessary steps to make those plans a reality. I am proud to be part of the team! “